* He proposed himself, Oliver says; he's an old friend

* They were at Trinity together. But he doesn't reall<
care much about Oliver. I'm certain he's not cominj
here for Oliver's I&OMX yeux, or Lady Lucy's.'

' What does it matter ? * cried Lady Niton, disdainfully
' H'm !—you think 'em all^a poor lot ?'
' Well, when you've known Dizzy and Peel, Palmer-
ston and Melbourne, you're not going to stay awake
nights worriting about John JTerrier. In any other house
but this I should back Lord Philip. Bat I like to make
Oliver uncomfortable.'

' Upon my word I I have heard you say that Lord
Philip's speeches were abominable.'

' So they are. But he ought to have credit for the
number of 'em he can turn out in a week.'

1 Pie 11 be heard in fact for his much speaking ?'
Bobbie looked at his companion with a smile. Suddenly
his cheek flushed. He sat down beside her and tried to
take her hand.

'Look here/—he said, with vivacity—*I think you
were an awful brick to stick up for Miss Mallory as
you did.'

Lady Niton withdrew her hand.
' I haven't an idea what you're driving at.
1 You really thought that Oliver should have given up
all that money ?'

His companion looked at him, rather puzzled.

wouldn't have been a pauper/ she said drily;

^BiT"

8 the._

* Oh WU.U A+WV

generous"vie7^£^ew which has encouraged me
immensely!'

* You I' Lady Niton drew back, and ai'&w np,&,m
though scenting battle,—while her wig and cap slipped"
more astray.